Dr. Tahir I. Shad is a distinguished scholar, educator, and international leader who serves as the President of the Washington Global Institute (WGI). With a career spanning academia, diplomacy, and global policy engagement, Dr. Shad has built a reputation for bridging ideas and action across continents.

Before founding and leading WGI, Dr. Shad served as Associate Dean at Washington College, and Director of international studies for 22 years where he spearheaded international programs and established enduring partnerships with leading universities and government institutions worldwide, including . His academic expertise, coupled with his ability to build cross-border collaborations, positioned him as a trusted advisor on issues of governance, democracy, and capacity building.

At WGI, Dr. Shad has transformed the institute into a dynamic hub for leadership development and international cooperation. Under his leadership, WGI has designed and delivered innovative training and exchange programs for local government officials, policymakers, and emerging leaders from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These initiatives focus on strengthening governance, advancing community development, and preparing leaders to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Recognized for his visionary approach, Dr. Shad combines scholarly depth with practical experience. His work has taken him to capitals and communities across the globe, where he has engaged with heads of government, cabinet ministers, and grassroots leaders alike. His commitment is rooted in a belief that stronger governance, civic engagement, and international understanding are essential to building sustainable and peaceful societies.

Charismatic, innovative, and deeply committed to global progress, Dr. Tahir I. Shad embodies the mission of the Washington Global Institute: to empower leaders, connect nations, and shape the future of governance and development worldwide.

Business expert Sabahat Shad has more than 26 years of industry expertise. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of senior positions, particularly in international management and leadership. She has used her multi-cultural abilities in many nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East. Similar to her work, Sabahat has an international background. After completing her business and finance studies in the UK, Sabahat started her career as the Director of Leisure Ltd. In this position, Sabahat was in charge of 33 operations. She has strong organizational and people management skills. After relocating from the United Kingdom to the United States, Sabahat rose to prominence as the Regional Vice President of Elizabeth Arden Corporation, where she oversaw a team of over 600 employees and over $50 million in annual revenue. Sabahat was in charge of creating one of the most prosperous regions for the company by developing and putting into action strategic plans. After that, Sabahat joined WTS International, one of the top consulting and management firms for the hospitality industry, where she served as Vice President of revenue development and oversaw 60 locations globally. Sabahat is currently the Vice President for Washington Global Institute, where she is in charge of all facets of the institute’s training initiatives.  She committed to provide top-notch comprehensive training and educational initiatives for the benefit of local and global populations.

Joseph Prud’homme is The Burton Family Chair in Religion, Politics and Culture, associate professor of political science, and instructor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, at Washington College. He has been director of the IRPC since its founding. Prud’homme received his doctorate from Princeton University and has been awarded fellowships at Harvard University and the University of Oxford. His expertise is in the areas of political philosophy, legal theory and constitutional law, the study of religion and political and cultural affairs, and urban and community studies.

Among his publications are the books: Religion and Politics in America from the Colonial Period to the Civil War, Curriculum and the Culture Wars: Debating the Bible’s Place in Public Schools, and State Religious Education and the State of Religious Life, as well as numerous peer-reviewed articles in leading journals.

Sarah Wolek is a Senior Faculty Specialist within the Management and Organization Department where she teaches courses on self-leadership and flourishing. Wolek also serves in the Maryland General Assembly’s House of Delegates where she is a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Wolek joined the University of Maryland after working in a variety of public sector institutions including the White House Office of Budget and Management, the United States Mission to the United Nations and the US Treasury.

An alumna of the University of Maryland, she earned an MBA from Columbia University and an MA in public policy from the University of Chicago. She lives in Bethesda, Maryland and enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends.